The Snowfields are open!

[Rook]

From:
http://www.sugarloaf.com/daily.html
Front face snow fields are now all open - patrol gave us the nod on Ignitor and Jagger this afternoon, and we'll have a freshly groomed White Nitro for tomorrow.

I'm headed there tomorrow morning! I'll post some pics.

 

[Newpylong]

Why haven't they been open? Didn't they get enough snow the last few dumps??

 

[Rook]

Why haven't they been open? Didn't they get enough snow the last few dumps??

I dont know why the fields were not open immediately. Prior to the recent storms, the majority of the fields were bare rock. I suppose it is a safety issue, patrol needs to ensure there is adequate coverage after the notorious upper mountain winds have their say. Nitro has snowmaking and has been open most of this season.



Sugarloaf Opens Backside Snowfields
Thursday, March 3, 2005

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, ME – The addition of more than a foot of new snow this week has given the green light to open Sugarloaf/USA’s fabled Backside Snowfields, the only lift-serviced, above-the-treeline skiing in the East. The opening of this double black diamond, expert-only terrain brings Sugarloaf to within a handful of trails from being 100% open.

The south facing Backside Snowfields require significant natural snow before they can be traversed. This week’s storm, on top of the nearly five feet of snow in the past three weeks, provided the necessary coverage. “The Snowfields offer a skiing and riding experience that’s not available anywhere else,” said Communications Manager Bill Swain. “It’s a back country experience without the hike, complete with spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.”

Sugarloaf’s boundary-to-boundary policy allows skiing throughout the Backside Snowfields including named routes such as High Rigger, Hard Tack, and Pure Heat. Front Face Snowfield trails such as White Nitro Extension, which is groomed, Powder Keg, Bubblecuffer Extension, and Winter’s Way Extension are also open with excellent natural snow surfaces.

The Backside Snowfields is a wilderness experience that should only be attempted by the most skilled skiers and riders. Sugarloaf’s Ski Patrol asks those who have never experienced the Backside to stop by the summit building for tips on the most navicable way down.

 

[K2Trav]

They needed to let the snow settle, so they could be sure it was open for more than just 1 day.

 

[smootharc]

Would be nice if pics get posted

nm

 

[Rook]

finally...

 

[Rook]

more..

 

[klrskiah]

haahaaa nice work with getting those pics up!!

that must have been before all the snow in april? it looks kinda rocky up

 

[loafer89]

April 19th, 2007, the day after the last of the 5' of snow in one week came to an end:

 

[DJAK]

Nice pics. Regardless of location.